Anionic and zwitterionic carboranyl N-heterocyclic carbene Au(i) complexes

Abstract

The syntheses of the first carboranyl N-heterocyclic carbene complexes with transition metals are reported.

Abstract

The syntheses of the first carboranyl N-heterocyclic carbene complexes with transition metals are reported. Both unsymmetrical mono-anionic and symmetrical dianionic NHCs readily react with ClAuSMe ₂ to afford unusual zwitterionic and anionic Au( i) dimethyl sulfide adducts. The compounds are characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry, and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Percent buried volume (% V _bur) calculations indicate that replacement of an adamantyl group by a hydride substituted icosahedral carborane anion results in a 3.7% increase in % V _bur.